DMK president M. Karunanidhi on Monday said the State government had to clarify the reason behind the delay in convening a meeting between fishermen of Sri Lanka and India since Union Minister V. Narayanasamy held it responsible for the postponement.

In a statement here, he had quoted Mr. Narayanasamy as saying that the Centre had taken one and a half years to arrange a meeting, but the Tamil Nadu government had caused the delay.

“The State government has to clarify its stand,” he said.

“Baseless allegations”

Mr. Karunanidhi also accused Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader S. Ramadoss of levelling baseless allegations against his party and urged him to refrain from the practice.

“Of late, Dr. Ramadoss has acquired the bad habit of blaming the DMK, even though the DMK had completely avoided criticising his party,” he said, responding to the recent allegation of Dr. Ramadoss that the DMK instigated members of the Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi (VCK) against the PMK cadres. Mr. Karunanidhi said it was regrettable that India was not taking a firm stand against the Sri Lankan government for its alleged war crimes during the last phase of the civil war. (The Hindu)

CNN: Sri Lanka Tour

The Indian government has built 10,250 houses last year for internally displaced people in Sri Lanka's northern and eastern provinces. "Another 27,750 houses will be constructed.....! Indian Deputy High Commissioner in Jaffna transferred to Guyana....! Minister G.L.Peries to visit China...!